Bangkok, Thailand — The Thai Startup Association has officially announced a major leadership transition, introducing its new executive board led by newly appointed president Mr. Permboon Iamsupasit, widely known as “P’Perm.”
The association also unveiled its bold long-term direction, VISION 2026-2028: Unite Thai Startups. Reclaim Thailand’s Digital Economy.
This announcement signals a new chapter for Thailand’s startup ecosystem, as Thai startups move beyond being technology users and step forward as platform creators that can strengthen the country’s digital economy.
Thailand’s Digital Economy Is Growing, But Wealth Is Flowing Overseas
Mr. Permboon highlighted the urgency behind the association’s new direction by pointing to key figures shaping Thailand’s digital future:
- USD 140.3 billion, or approximately THB 4.9 trillion, is the projected value of Thailand’s digital economy in 2025.
- 7.3% is the continuous growth rate of Thailand’s digital market.
- 53rd globally is Thailand’s current startup ecosystem ranking.
“The digital economy is the new battlefield for nations. Yet Thai startups remain too small compared to the enormous opportunities ahead. Our mission is not only to grow the market, but to ensure that the wealth generated circulates within Thailand instead of flowing entirely to foreign-owned platforms.” — Mr. Permboon Iamsupasit
Vision 2026-2028: Three Pillars to Transform Thailand
1. Built in Thailand
The association aims to empower Thai developers and entrepreneurs to strengthen capabilities in software development and deep technology, creating world-class innovations that meet the needs of Thai businesses and consumers.
2. Owned by Thais
This pillar focuses on promoting Thai ownership of digital platforms so that economic value, profits, and opportunities remain within the country and contribute to sustainable domestic wealth creation.
3. Grown for the World
The association will build international bridges for Thai startups to expand beyond local borders, starting from Southeast Asia and scaling toward global markets through strategic partnerships.
From Fragmented Growth to National Collaboration
The new executive team aims to eliminate siloed growth within Thailand’s startup ecosystem by positioning the association as a central force driving three major strategies.
Industry Consortium Building
Thai startups with complementary strengths will be encouraged to collaborate on large-scale solutions capable of competing for enterprise and national-level opportunities.
Regulatory Sandbox & Reform
The association will work closely with government agencies to modernize outdated regulations and create innovation-friendly legal frameworks that support experimentation and emerging technologies.
Funding Gateway
A stronger connection will be developed between Thai startups, venture capital firms, institutional investors, and major corporations to improve access to funding and accelerate growth opportunities.
Meet the New Executive Board
- Permboon Iamsupasit — President of the Thai Startup Association; Co-founder and executive of Pay Solutions and ChillPay.
- Ratchawut Pitchayapan — Vice President; CEO & Co-founder of Fixzy.
- Chaowanon Klangpremjit — Vice President for International Affairs; CEO & Co-founder of Ultimate Destiny.
- Somporn Pookittiwarangkul — Treasurer; CEO of Student Care Co., Ltd.
- Marisa Pakdee — Secretary-General; CEO of Memory Fabric Co., Ltd.
- Nattakorn Rattanachaisit — Registrar; CEO of Predictive Co., Ltd.
- Sasinat Siriratboon — Board Director; CEO & Co-founder of Odd-e Thailand.
- Pattaraporn Phosuwan — Board Director; CEO & Co-founder of Eventpop.
- Kittichai Korwiwatthanakan — Board Director; Co-founder of Builk One Group.
Together, the new board combines expertise across fintech, proptech, edtech, data analytics, enterprise software, event technology, and agile methodology to accelerate Thailand’s startup ecosystem across multiple industries.
A Defining Moment for Thailand’s Digital Future
The Thai Startup Association’s Vision 2026-2028 under the leadership of Permboon Iamsupasit is more than a strategic roadmap. It is a collective commitment from Thai innovators and entrepreneurs to reshape the nation’s digital economy.
This is a critical moment for the government, private sector, and Thai consumers to support technologies and platforms that are Built in Thailand, Owned by Thais, and Grown for the World.
By uniting the Thai startup ecosystem, Thailand can reclaim its digital economic future and ensure that the value created in the digital age truly benefits the Thai people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Permboon Iamsupasit?
Permboon Iamsupasit is the newly appointed President of the Thai Startup Association and Co-founder of Pay Solutions and ChillPay.
What is the Thai Startup Association?
The Thai Startup Association is an organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening Thailand’s startup ecosystem and digital economy.
What is Vision 2026-2028?
Vision 2026-2028 is the Thai Startup Association’s strategic initiative focused on uniting Thai startups and reclaiming Thailand’s digital economy.
What are the three pillars of Vision 2026-2028?
The three pillars are Built in Thailand, Owned by Thais, and Grown for the World.
Why is Thailand’s digital economy important?
Thailand’s digital economy is projected to reach USD 140.3 billion by 2025, making it a major driver of future economic growth and innovation.
What industries are represented on the new executive board?
The board includes experts from fintech, proptech, edtech, enterprise software, data analytics, event technology, and agile transformation sectors.
What is the goal of the Funding Gateway initiative?
The Funding Gateway initiative aims to connect Thai startups with venture capital firms, institutional investors, and large corporations to improve access to funding opportunities.
